When it comes to climate solutions, the spotlight often falls on solar panels, wind farms, and electric vehicles. These are essential technologies, but there’s another climate tool that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS).
As the world races toward net-zero emissions, CCUS is emerging as a vital strategy to address emissions that are otherwise difficult or impossible to eliminate. It’s not just a supplementary technology—it’s a necessity for achieving our climate goals.
Why Renewable Energy Alone Isn’t Enough
Even if the global economy shifted entirely to renewable energy tomorrow, we would still struggle to meet net-zero targets. That’s because a significant share of global emissions comes from hard-to-abate sectors—industries like cement, steel, and chemicals. These sectors are fundamental to modern life, but they are also deeply carbon-intensive, with emissions that cannot easily be offset by clean energy alone.
This is where CCUS plays a critical role.
What Is CCUS?
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources and either:
- Utilizing it to create products like carbon-infused concrete, synthetic fuels, or plastics
- Storing it safely underground in geological formations, where it cannot re-enter the atmosphere
It’s a method that turns CO₂ from a liability into a resource—or locks it away permanently to mitigate climate impact.
Why CCUS, and Why Now?
The urgency around CCUS is increasing due to several intersecting factors:
- Rising Global Energy Demand: Despite the growth of renewables, over 80% of global energy consumption still comes from fossil fuels—particularly in fast-growing emerging markets.
- Hard-to-Abate Sectors: Industries like cement and steel are essential for infrastructure and economic development, yet they rely on processes that inherently emit carbon.
- Advances in Direct Air Capture (DAC): New technologies now allow for CO₂ to be pulled directly from the atmosphere, offering the potential for negative emissions—a key element of long-term climate stabilization.
The Potential of CCUS
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), CCUS could deliver up to 15% of cumulative emissions reductions needed by 2050 to meet international climate targets.
Beyond mitigation, CCUS also presents economic opportunities:
- New Market Creation: Captured carbon is being used to develop products like low-carbon cement, synthetic fuels, and even food-grade CO₂ for beverages and agriculture.
- Strategic Leverage: Countries and companies investing early in CCUS are positioning themselves at the forefront of the emerging low-carbon economy, gaining competitive and regulatory advantages.
Challenges on the Horizon
Like any major transition, CCUS comes with its own set of barriers:
- High Costs: Depending on the technology and location, capturing and storing CO₂ can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per ton—a significant investment for industries already under economic pressure.
- Energy Intensity: The process of capturing, compressing, and transporting CO₂ requires a substantial amount of energy, which could offset some of the environmental gains if powered by fossil fuels.
- Policy and Regulatory Uncertainty: The lack of consistent carbon pricing and clear policy frameworks in many regions makes long-term investment in CCUS risky for the private sector.
Why CCUS Still Matters
Despite the challenges, the cost of inaction is far greater. Without widespread deployment of CCUS, hard-to-abate sectors will continue to emit greenhouse gases, making it virtually impossible to reach net-zero by mid-century.
More than a technological fix, CCUS represents a critical bridge—allowing us to continue using essential industrial processes while simultaneously reducing their carbon impact.
Looking Ahead
To scale CCUS effectively, governments, industries, and investors must collaborate to:
- Create stable carbon markets and pricing mechanisms
- Offer incentives and tax credits for early adopters
- Invest in infrastructure, including pipelines and storage sites
- Support research and innovation to reduce costs and increase efficiency
As the climate conversation evolves, CCUS must take its place alongside renewables and efficiency as a core component of the transition to a low-carbon future.
